Genetic Diversity in Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) from Hungary and Serbia by Mitochondrial DNA

Abstract

Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) is common in Europe and has importance as introduced game specie. It is listed as “least concern” by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources); consequently it is difficult to think of it as an endangered species. Many population genetic studies have been focus on pheasant’s original territory such as India, South-Eastern Asia and China. However, few researches can be found on the diversity of Central, Eastern - European populations. For this reason this study has started on pheasants in Hungary and Serbia.